Yesterday

Yesterday was a lovely day. It started with going to church twice! Twice because I was leading worship, not at my probationary placement but at my home church. I have never led an entire service at my home church before but yesterday was my chance.

The first service was at the wee country kirk - 14 of us enjoyed our worship together.

Then it was up the road for the second service - 1/2 an hour to grab a coffee and then drive back to Keith, ready for the 2nd service.

The 2nd service was very special - my family were all there and it also gave me a chance to say thank you to the people who have sustained me, not just over the last few years but for most of my life. I have been a member of this congregation, on and off, for about 26 years - they have seen me grow up, get married and have children. I have been an Elder for the last 12 years.

It was good to be able to say thank you for their ministry to me - they may not realise it but they have in so many ways, individually and collectively, pastored to me through their prayers, gentle encouragement and even their questions. I was also able to pay a tribute to my minister - he has been a wonderful support to me - always available, generous of his time.

The strangest thing happened at the end of the service as we (the minister and I) were walking to the door - applause started and some people even got to their feet. Odd, embarrassing, lovely, awkward, sweet..........nuff said.

I am going to post my sermon later, once I have edited it for publishing. lol

After the service I stayed for the Annual Stated Meeting. then my mum and dad came up to the house for our typical Sunday lunch - bacon butties!

Later on we went out to mum and dads with my sister and her crew. Whilst granny organised tea for all 10 of us - we went for a hike up the hill.

It was just so lovely to spend time with everyone. We don't do it often enough. family really is important. Its too easy to not find or make time. But as I see us all get older, I realise how precious our time is.

Lord God,

I thank you for the time we can share with our loved ones,

I thank you for their love,

Love that sustains me and feeds me.

I thank you Lord for each and everyone of them.

Amen